The Vampire of Venice Beach    by Jennifer Colt Order:  USA  Can Broadway, 2007 (2007) Softcover, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Redheaded identical twins, Terry and Kerry McAfee, are back on their shocking pink Harley speeding to solve the case of Ephermera, Queen of the Undead. When a parade of hearses (a promotional stunt) heads to the opening of the Dark Arts Gallery in Venice Beach, the supposedly breathing body in a coffin turns out to be really dead. Warned by the authorities in previous novels not to interfere with police work, the twins naturally dive into the mysterious culture of tattoos, fangs, and blood drinking. Amidst a bevy of characters one would not want to meet up with in a dark alley (or a well-lit alley, for that matter), Kerry and Terry manage to solve the crime. But not without some very unusual shenanigans, as can be expected with this series. Kerry is sidetracked by the tug of romance while Terry is looking for the female of her dreams. Their Aunt Reba, a hot, late-middle-aged widow is manless at the moment and is not a happy camper - which doesn't bode well for the homeless in her new neighborhood. The plot of this book is a bit convoluted, happily so. It reels from one lead to another, along with humor that should have the reader doubled over with laughter. The pace is exhausting but fun. The background of the occult has strengthened my resolve never to become a part of it. But that's my choice. Maybe not yours. Kerry tells this hilarious tale – discounting the dead bodies – to her own detriment. Her self doubts had this reader cheering her on, mentally telling her to go for it, babe. You might never get another chance. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews